September 16, 2013

Fargo North (1-4 EDC, 1-4 overall) and Valley City (1-4, 1-4) played a tight tennis match on Thursday night in Valley, but North escaped with the 5-4 match win.

"A big thank you goes out to the Valley City Tennis Association for putting on our Tennis Fun Night and grilling hotdogs for everyone," Hi-Liner Head Coach Matt Nielson said.Â "Thanks to the whole Kringlie extended family for making this happen. We appreciate it."

"Derek showed some guts today," Nielson said. "He lost a tough second set and figured things out himself. He didn't take coaching or a break between the second set and the third set.Â He said he has it, refocused, and went for it."

Senior Dustin Miller beat senior Johann Landman, 6-3, 6-4.

"Dustin kept himself from getting riled up in singles," Nielson said.Â "He kept an even keel, which led to a victory. Good work on the mental side of the game today."

Sophomore Dalton Ondracek beat senior Kasey Dilbeck, 6-3, 6-4.

"Dalton fought through the tentative points, taking the match on a beautiful winner down the line and going for it," said Nielson.

"When it comes time for postseason play, winning at the top is needed," Nielson said. "In a 3-2 line-up, we got them beat at 1, 2, and 3."

"Evan is becoming more consistent with his strokes," Nielson said. "He is starting to anticipate better, leading to him getting to more balls within the rallies. As long as Evan keeps improving, he is successful."

Ninth-grader Sam Jenson lost to senior Sage Voglewede, 6-1, 6-1.

"Sam was fun to watch today," Nielson said.Â "He played the best rallies of the season and had the best attitude.Â He was a great partner for Evan also. He is improving on all aspects of being a Hi-Liner tennis player."

"Derek and Dustin didn't need to show anything as they were by far the best doubles team on the court today," Nielson said.

Ondracek and Brandon Miller lost to Landman and Pladson, 6-2, 6-4.

"Dalton and Brandon both played tentatively on the pressure points," Nielson said. "Their doubles match was strewn with deuces, which were not our friends.Â On every point, including pressure points, if we play to win the point, good things will happen."